STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1658

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 505

H.D. 1

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 505, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RED HILL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative policy coordinator position to coordinate initiatives across state and county agencies and appropriate federal entities, and to establish the Red Hill remediation special fund.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii, Board of Water Supply, Coalition Earth, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Ohana Unity Party & Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands, and four individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the adoption and implementation of recommendations from the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative's November 2023 report will help address the remediation needs after defueling the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility and ensure the future safety of Oahu's water resources. Your Committee further finds that establishing a policy coordinator and the Red Hill remediation special fund will enhance coordination, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of water protection response efforts.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the source of appropriations to the Red Hill remediation special fund from the Legislature to the City and County of Honolulu.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 505, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 505, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair